People often ask me whether performing pet euthanasia is the worst part of my job. In fact it's not exactly the worst part of the job, but it certainly is the hardest and most emotionally challenging part. Because I can decline to perform so-called

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 8:44 am
Almost all of Michel's veterinarians did not like him. He was a very social cat until he entered a clinic. Then he became Cat from Hell. When he was put down the vet couldn't have been nicer. He was a very sick boy. They also sent a card. RIP Michel. Mommy and the Baby!

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 8:50 am
Here is the last words of this interesting article: 'Euthanasias are very emotional for vets. Even writing about them is hard. I take comfort from the fact that the euthanasias I perform are the best way to alleviate the cats' suffering. But that fact is cold comfort indeed.' I completely agree!!!!!!

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 9:29 am
This is a most emotional subject, and for anyone who loves their kitty, it is often a tortuous time when a beloved pet dies for any reason,... let alone when a human takes part in the final decision. A dear friend of mine told me that the 'spirit of the beloved cat KNOWS what their master's good intentions when this most delicate and person choice has been made, and that their love continues past this world' - and I must tell you, if you believe that we are spiritual beings and that love is the energy which reaches past this world into the eternal life, -it can be most comforting to engage this relationship as continuing the love - beyond the tragedy of the sorrowful good-bye. If you do not have a sense of the spiritual reality it would probably not have much effect. For those who do, it is a powerful source of loving connection, far beyond that difficult and sad parting,... I often think of my past kitties in this way, and see their joy still intact, and their love still alive in a spiritual evolution, of which I enjoy now, and hope to - Eternally.

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 9:51 am
This is a problem on so many levels, Kit, the issue of adults making responsible decisions regarding their own lives, as well as those that they have power over: including children, pets, and - well the list is endless,... How do we make pet owners more responsible??? We cannot isolate this question to a specific question. I would imagine that if they were more responsible on other levels, they would also follow their conscience and do the compassionate thing for the defenseless animal. It is a very complex problem, of which I'd have to guess, begain in their own infancy,.... What does make a person 'cold hearted???'

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 9:53 am
Plus, if the veterinarian does not perform the service, - dear lord, what might these people do if they act on their own? I fear for the well-being of the helpless little creature~ !

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 10:34 am
I would have to say that it IS the worst and hardest thing we have to do. We feel it personally, although we know it's the only option, and we feel the grief of our clients. I also disagree with refusing *convenience* euthanasia. Obviously, we must carefully consider the situation and the potential responsibility of the client, but oftentimes it is in the animal best interest to spare them additional stress and a terrible alternative outcome.

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 10:45 am
Only three months ago I had to make euthanasia to my cat, a very rare malignant neoplasm was killing him and his body was ravaged, my vet the first time convinced me to put off saying:
"who are we to decide to take the life of a living being that could go on for a few days"
This phrase has convinced me and my cat lived another 22 days,
I firmly believe in this kind of vet, respectful of life and well-being of the cat who was for many years one of your best friends.
At the same time reading this news I remain horrified by the major causes of request for euthanasia, that to me is really incredible
no word to say you Cher thank for this news

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 1:40 pm
Very sad and hard to do, letting go when the end is near.!! I still cry for all the animals I had to put down, over the years.!! Dogs, Cats, and Rats. !! All sweethearts, God Bless em.!! I still love and miss them.!!!!!

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 4:21 pm
I guess I am lucky I never had to go to a vet to put to sleep a Moggy that lived with me they just knew it was there time to cross the rainbow bridge an they all have given me my last kitty kiss an they lay in lap an go to sleep I then cry I give them there last human kiss an put them in the ground an love the next Moggy that some how find there way to my door because I feel wants you take in a cat or kitten they are there with you for ever even in passing. =^..^=

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 5:42 pm
It is better to feel sad that maybe you euthanized an ill pet too soon, than to feel horrible because you KNOW you waited too long and let your pet suffer. Why not make their last day on earth a pretty good day- with snacks and petting and sitting in the sun before hand- rather than the poor thing nauseated/ dehydrated/and hiding....

Tuesday April 30, 2013, 6:22 pm
Wow! What a subject. I would think it's hard on the vet to PTS the precious babies. I know it's heartbreaking as Hell on the ones who love them :( Thanks for sharing Cher...Noted